Chapter 8 - Distracted

Stromee POV

The weekend flowed as usual. Our 21st birthday was coming, and I feared my life would change forever. I kept my studies going, but the nagging feeling that my dreams would be shattered once I turned 21 kept distracting me from my endeavors.

I was at the top of my class, and soon, I was distracted and wondering what would happen. I have talked to Enzo. After that conversation, we had a clearing near the river. He chose to go to a rehab center, and I got a call from Aunt Page thanking me for setting him right.

Aunt Paige and Uncle Eulisses had tried everything, but Enzo was not listening to them… It was not until we got the news that we all had mates, and our parents knew even before we were born about them, that he was willing to listen and see reason.

I thank the Goddess for that because Enzo and Ralph are my rocks. I have always felt protected around them. Even when I went through my lonely, weird stage in high school, they were there, accepting me as I was, respecting my individuality, and at the same time trying to push me out of my shell with love and patience.

“Ms. Adalwülf,” the teacher called out to me,

“Yes?” I asked, and he sighed…

“I was asking you what the international accords struck after the Grea War against the Darkness were?” My teacher in international law asked, and I took a deep breath.

Because of that war, my mother and father had to go to other realms and find help. It was during that time that my pregnant mother found the help of other rulers. For unknown reasons to me until recently, the other rulers accepted to help our realm.

“The accords that followed the war dictate that every realm will unite to protect the others against the darkness. The result was the joined authority under one supreme ruler and the formation of a council representing each realm's needs in front of the Supreme Ruler. Each realm will keep their royalty figures, who will be in contact with the Supreme Ruler, and by doing so, they will ensure the security of prosperity of every single species.” I recited the law I had memorized by heart.

“And? What does that entitle for the common people?” My teacher asked, and I wanted to yell at him. It entitles they can be free and do as they please while I must go away to keep things running smoothly for them, sacrificing myself, my dream, my life, my happiness in the fucking process.

Instead, I recited, “It means that rules will be general for everyone, that trade laws will homologate to provide more opportunities for all, that no race is superior to the other, and thus fair treatment and justice can be served. It also allows people to have inter-species marriages, allows many to find their mates in other realms, and secures a future for all…” I said, and he nodded.

“Very good, Ms. Adalwülf… I will pay attention next time because we discussed today´s subject: the International Judiciary System…” He sighed. “I asked you the question to prove you were distracted and not paying any mind to the subject,” he said, and I bit my lower lip.

I concentrated on asking his question but never thought about him asking a question completely unrelated to the subject we were discussing. Damn it!

“I will try, Mr. Rosemont…” I said, and he nodded.

I took my seat feeling completely embarrassed, and despite trying to force my mind into the wonders of International Judiciary Systems, I failed miserably…

Two more months, and I will have to go back home, turn 21, and be off with a man I have no idea who he is. Dad explained that once we were born, they set some ground rules for our mates to allow us to enjoy our family life and develop in a nurturing environment with a happy childhood without the strain of knowing our mate was already lurking around. I couldn´t be any more thankful for my mother and father, because of those accords, I was able to live an everyday happy life, so far.

But it was so unfair to be raised with such joy just to be ripped away from me. My freedom, my will, my dreams… everything will vanish once he enters the picture.

I took a deep breath; I didn´t want to lose control. I am the daughter of a special wolf, and when Ralph and I came of age at 18, we found out we had several powers that needed to be controlled. Most of our powers were related to our emotions, and right now, I am capable of creating a Storm as big as a hurricane.

Mom can handle all elemental powers, and when she got together with my father, she got the unique gift of reading minds and feelings. She is fantastic. Since I turned of age, Eleanore, one of the ladies of the Circle of the Willow, has trained me to control my powers. Mother Ashia is training Ralph since he will take my dad´s position, and with the transition of regimes, his powers will increase tenfold.

I hold the elemental powers of water and air. Combined, I can create the perfect storm, just like my name. Eleanore told me that when I meet my mate, these powers will increase and that I will develop other magical traits… I am curious as to what those traits might entail, but I am not that curious to want to know my mate anytime soon.

“You seem distracted, Trevor walked beside me, and I sighed. Trevor, Ralph´s best friend and the only ex-boyfriend I have ever had, is the son of an Alpha, he is powerful and cute, and despite no longer being in arelationship, we kept our friendship.

“Yes, I am… I feel my life is over without having even started,” I sighed, and he squinted his eyebrows.

He is studying business management and law. He will finish two degrees at once… Impressive. “May I help with anything?” He offered. He has always been sweet and caring. His mate will win the lottery. He asked me to be his chosen mate, but it didn´t feel right… We were young and naive, and we believed to be in love, which later I discovered was an infatuation, an exploration of what love could be, but in reality, it was not a committed love. At least not on my end.

“Not really…” I bit my lower lip, “During our break, I found out that my parents know who my fated mate is and that as soon as I turn 21, he will reveal himself to me… It was part of some ground rules my parents set while I was born…” I sighed, and Trevor sighed,

“And? I thought you didn't want a mate, or at least not yet…” He said, and I bit my lower lip. Indeed, when we broke our relationship up, that was the main factor.

“Well, apparently, I never had a choice…” I sighed, and he sweetly wrapped his arm around my shoulder and brought me into his firm chest. Only at that moment did I allow myself to break.

“Hey, everything will be alright… you will always have Ralph, Enzo, and me in your corner… Whatever, or better said, whoever comes your way as your mate, he will have to treat you right, or he will have serious issues with all of us…” He cooed, and I nodded on his shoulder.

“Thanks, Trevor… You know that even when we did not work out as a couple. I will always love you as a friend…” I said, and he sighed,

“It still hurts, Storm… but I understand and will always love you too…” He said and left out the part that his love was friendly.

I took a deep breath and sighed, “I have to go… I have two more months of freedom, and then later, on my 21st birthday, things will change…” I said, and he nodded.

“See you around, Storm… Remember you are strong and amazing; don´t let anyone tell you otherwise…” he said, and I nodded.

“Don´t be a stranger…” I said, and he chuckled.

“I won´t,” he said, and with that, we parted ways.

Why do I feel betrayed by everyone, considering that, in the end, I am expected to have a mate, marry, and live happily ever after? What if he is an amazing guy, and I am building all this in my head? I am sure Mom wouldn´t be this calm if he was someone who would treat me wrong…

I took a deep breath; I am not sure of anything, only that time will pass, and two months is a short period to do everything I want to do before surrendering my freedom to a man who might be a great one but who will be a complete stranger to me.